The Path of Nene

At the Path of Nene by Kodai-ji Temple you can go back in time to the Edo period

The path of Nene (Nene no Michi) is a path that runs by Kodai-ji Temple. The temple itself was found by Nene herself, the widow of the shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi, which is why the path too is known as the Path of Nene. There are many temples by the path so you have a lot to see. The path is especially beautiful in spring when the cherry trees blossom, although this is of course also the time when there are most people on the path. Really many tourists walk on the path wearing kimonos and yukatas, which makes this place feel even more like ancient Japan, though most of them do have selfie-sticks with them.
If you continue south on the Path of Nene, you will eventually get to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, after passing both Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.

Daiun-in Temple’s Gionkaku tower is a rather queer looking tower, and the reason is that it was built to look like a wooden float like those used in the Gion Festival. The tower is normally not open to the public, but the tower is specially open during the summer season, but remember to check if it’s open online before going. The tower is 36 meters tall so the view from it is spectacular, but unfortunately taking photos from the tower is forbidden.

2Highlight

Kodai-ji Temple

After the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Nene became a nun and started this temple, Kodai-ji, to mourn for her late husband. Entrance to the temple costs 600 and this also includes a ticket to their museum that is located by the Path of Nene. You need to climb up quite many stairs to just get to the temple, and once inside you have to again climb up the mountain, but the temple contains almost everything that one would wish to see in Kyoto. There is a bamboo grove, rock garden, teahouses, and the temple architecture is interesting… just so much to see!
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http://sharing-kyoto.com/see_Kodaiji-Temple/

3Good Experiences

Take a photo by a Nene no Michi sign

There are many signs and lanterns with the words for the Path of Nene, “Nene no michi” written on them in Japanese. Taking a photo together with these signs is a popular pastime in Kyoto, so how about joining this joyful activity?

4Good Experiences

Touch a Buddha statue

There are some Buddha statues on the Path of Nene that you are allowed to touch, so please feel free to touch them. The statue in the picture is Hotei, a Buddhist statue with a big belly, but there are others too. Try to find them all!

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Price

Overseas Tourist-Friendly

Sampo

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Going to the Path of Nene in the early morning is something I really recommend, as there is almost no one, so you have the path all to yourself. The Ishibei-koji Lane is also close, and offers a great retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. In Ishibei-koji Lane you will feel like you were back in the Edo period, so much so that taking photos here is forbidden, so put your selfie-sticks away. Anyway, the Path of Nene is a lot of fun no matter the season, so how about taking a walk by Nene’s?

The Path of Nene is paved with stones and walking on it leisurely makes you forget about the time. In spring there are the cherry blossoms, in autumn the autumn leaves, so this place is perfect for enjoying Kyoto-like views! The path is not very wide and by noon there are many tourists on it, so I recommend going early in the morning.